Electrostatic interaction with a rigid curved domain causes nonlinear deformation of a thin elastic sheet: Implications for biosystems

Electrostatic traction-driven elastic deformation of thin sheets has numerous uses in cell-biological processes and engineering systems. The nonlinear (large) deformation of a flat thin elastic sheet due to electrostatic interaction with a rigid curved domain in dielectric fluid media has been investigated in the present work. We use Debye-Huckel equation to calculate electrostatic traction acting between the rigid curved domain and thin elastic sheet. The current model is used to examine how the BAR proteins bind to the cell membrane. We model BAR protein, cell membrane as rigid curved domain and elastic sheet, respectively. The scaffolding of cell membrane with Arfaptin and PX-BAR proteins is captured very well by the current model. This work can help our understanding in the binding mechanism involving higher curvature peripheral BAR proteins, as well as the deformation of any other advanced thin structures comprised of functionally graded materials used in engineering systems.

Automated summary

This study investigates the nonlinear deformation mechanism of thin sheets when interacting with rigid curved domains, by calculating the electrostatic traction forces. The model used in this study provides insights into the binding mechanism of BAR proteins with cell membranes, as well as the deformation of thin structures in engineering systems comprised of functionally graded materials. The results are of significant importance for cell biology and engineering applications.